and that national christmas tree with its 80,000 lights, it makes that look like charley brown's christmas tree. >> in is just over the top! >> it's sort of one of the first things we always do every year. it's just magical for me. >> reporter: it's a tradition that began 30 years ago by deacon dave. >> i wanted to do something for people of all faiths. >> reporter: he began with setting up a few lights around his livermore home. >> probably the buildings were this big, and it was a little miniature elf village along one side of the driveway. >> reporter: the display attracts thousands of people every year, many of them children who are mesmerized by the display. >> it's more spiritual than religious, perhaps. >> reporter: what do the neighbors think? >> i think it's fabulous. >> reporter: she has lived across the street from his display since 1989. >> a little tough to compete with the deacon. we don't even try. >> i got to ask you. what's your peing peing pg&e bill? >> i don't tell anyone. i can guarantee you , i am sitting down when i open the bill. but if anybody wants to pay it, we'll